Dreaming Out Loud

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Chapter 105: Somewhere Over the Rainbow

War had continued to rage over the last couple years, ravaging the lands and the Kingdoms. But this arc of the war was not without hope, for it was two years ago that the people started to fight back against the ruthless King Arawn. And that was because they had a leader in the form of rogue Princess Snow White. And it had all started with the liberation of one small village, just a little over two years earlier.

Two Years Ago

The small farming village near the northern mountain ridge was usually peaceful, where families lived their lives and made a meager living off farming and then trading their goods. And on this morning, things seemed to be normal as usual. The market was open bright and early, with people selling their fresh grown vegetables, chicken eggs, and fresh baked bread. But an unusual commotion interrupted the morning bustle at the market and fear rippled through the people, as King Arwan's soldiers marched into their village.

"King Arawn is recruiting for his vast army. To volunteer a tribute from your family would mean instant honor and favor to your family!" the Knight decreed, but when no one stepped forward to volunteer their young sons, the soldiers began to mingle through the people. Several young boys were recruited into the ranks by force, leaving their families crying out for them. But the soldier's swords kept parents and siblings at bay, as young recruits were rounded up. They would be taken back to a nearby camp, put through a few hours of basic training, and then forced into the ranks where they'd likely be killed in battle. The people knew this and there was nothing they could do to stop it. It was a feeling of helplessness that too many villages had known in the last few years since Arawn's invasion of the Kingdoms had begun and most felt as if there was no longer any hope.

But little did they know, this would be a changing day.

"How old is he?" the Knight questioned gruffly. The father of this family, his skin leathery from years under the sun on his farm and his spirit just as weary, managed to stand tall and look the Knight in the eyes. He walked with a limp, for he was not a young man any longer, but he did not despair in that, for his son helped his farm survive. Until now.

"Only twelve," the man lied.

"A bit tall and strapping for twelve, isn't he?" the Knight said, as he looked at the frightened boy. The Knight grabbed the father and put his sword to the man's throat.

"How old are you, boy?" he questioned.

"Fou...fourteen Sir...please don't hurt my papa!" he cried. The Knight shoved the man away and prodded the boy forth.

"Old enough...join the ranks with the other scabs," he ordered.

"No...you can't take my boy! He's all I have!" the father shouted, as he limped behind the soldier, but the Knight turned swiftly and embedded a fist in the man's abdomen, dropping him to his knees in pain.

"Papa!" the young boy cried, but was prevented from going to his ailing father.

"Make an example of him," the lead Knight ordered to his subordinate and two soldiers picked the man up, forcing him to his knees.

"Let this be a lesson to all who defy the mighty King Arawn!" the solder announced, as a bag was put over the man's head and another soldier came forth with a particular sword that was designed for beheading.

"Papa!" the young man screamed in terror, but a few well placed arrows stopped the soldier in his tracks. He looked around, but when he saw no one, he started walking again. That would be the final thing he did, as an arrow caught him in the heart and he dropped dead to the ground. The other soldiers looked around and a lone figure dropped from the trees, before dropping their hood, and revealing a beautiful woman, as fair as any they had ever seen.